Leaders of Belarus and China have phone talks

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

The heads of states exchanged congratulations on the next anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and China and discussed in detail various areas of cooperation.

Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping noted the high level of Belarusian-Chinese political relations, successfully developing as trust-based comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation. In view of the high dynamics of interaction, the parties are ready to raise the level of cooperation and are negotiating the text of the corresponding declaration. The head of state thanked the Chairman of the People's Republic of China for the support of Belarus in the international scene. As the Chinese leader said in this context, only the people can decide and determine the future of their country. In general, the strategic partners Belarus and China will jointly resist external threats. Belarus will also continue supporting China in all key issues.

Much attention was paid to the situation with the pandemic. The parties exchanged information on measures taken to counter the spread of the infection. As the Chinese leader noted, there is no reason to calm down. Therefore, as agreed, Belarus and China will remain open and ready to cooperate in this area. People's Republic of China has also confirmed its readiness to supply a vaccine against COVID-19 to Belarus in the necessary volume. The President of Belarus and the chairman of China pointed to the growth in bilateral trade. They noted with satisfaction that in the difficult conditions of the pandemic and decline in business activity they had managed to prevent a decline. Supplies of Belarusian agricultural products to the PRC market were cited as an example in this case. Foodstuffs and woodworking products remain the main growth points. An expert group has been set up to simplify trade procedures and further develop exports. The Belarusian export application form which includes 88 items of agriculture, machine building and chemical industry products.

The two leaders also discussed the increase in the purchase of potash fertilizers by China from Belarus. The Chinese partners responded to a request of the Belarusian side by their readiness to actively study this issue. In addition, the two sides discussed interaction with Chinese financial institutions and the progress in implementing a number of major infrastructure and investment projects with their support. Further development and implementation of the potential of the Great Stone Industrial Park, which is a key element of Belarus's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, was also the focus of attention. Alexander Lukashenko assured that Belarus would traditionally be an active participant in the initiative. Therefore, it is strategically important to intensify cooperation in the Great Stone Industrial Park and significantly expand the presence of the leading Chinese companies and

It was suggested to declare a Year of Belarusian and Chinese Regions and hold it for three years, from 2021 to 2023, in order to develop interregional cooperation. The President of Belarus and the Chairman of the People's Republic of China also discussed the issue of the forthcoming meeting in person. As soon as the situation with the pandemic improves, such a meeting will take place. In the meantime, the heads of the intergovernmental commissions of the two countries have been instructed to take all cooperation issues as a whole and especially those discussed over the phone today under special control and report back to the leaders of the two countries.